Smoke-consumer



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

F. W. SMITH.

SMOKE CONSUMER. I

No. 577,372. Patented Feb. 16, 1897.

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153W] SMITH. SMOKE CONSUMER.

No. 577,372. 7 Patented Feb. 16, '1897.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRED W. SMITH, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, ASSIGNOR OF THREE- FOURTHS TONEWTON T. HUME AND WILLIAM H. DAVIES, OF SAME PLACE, AND SUMNER W. HUME,OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SMOKE-CONSUMER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 577,372, dated February16, 1897. Application filed A u t 3, 1896. Serial No. 601,407. (Nomodel.)

To all whom it may concern;

Be it known that I, FRED W. SMITH, of the city of Minneapolis, county ofHennepin,

State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inSmoke Consumers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in devices designed forapplication to stationary, marine, or locomotive engine furnaces for thepurpose of causing a substantially complete combustion of the fuel thatis applied thereto. It is well known that when a fresh supply of fuel isput into a furnace that a large amount of gas will be immediately thrownoif therefrom. Considerable quantities of unconsumed carbon will becarried off by this gas and the whole will pass out 9f the furnace inthe form of a dense black smoke, which will be emitted from the chimney.As the fuel becomes partially consumed a less amount of such gases willbe thrown off, and after a time with the natural draft of the furnacethere will be a very nearly complete combustion of fuel. It has beencustomary heretofore, in some instances, to provide devices generallycalled smoke-consumers, which consist in some means for providing anincreased supply of air above the fire of the furnace for the purpose ofsupplying oxygen in largerquantities and thereby obtaining a morecomplete combustion of the fuel. This is, however, objectionable, asafter a time when the fuel has become partially consumed this additionalsupply of air is unnecessary and simply retards the combustion of thefuel in the furnace. I propose to obviate these objections by providingmeans which, when the door of the furnace is opened, will substantiallysupply to the furnace, above the fuel, a current of highlyheated air andsteam, and will continue to supply such current for a predeterminedlength of time after the furnace-door has been opened. This means may beregulated by the fireman or engineer according to the quality of fuel heis using, so as to have the current of steam and heated air suppliedlong enough to burn oif all of the gases that are driven off from thefuel when it is first applied to the fire.

My invention consists generally in the constructions and combinationshereinafter described, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective View, partiallybroken away, of'a stationary-engine boiler having my invention appliedthereto. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section of the furnace,showing thearrangement of the hot-air flue and of the steam-jetstherein. Fig. 3 is a side elevation and partial section of the valvethrough which the water is supplied to the regulator each time that thedoor of the furnace is opened. Fig. 4 is a vertical section of thecylinder of the regulator, showing its connection with the steam-valveand showing also the waste-pipe connected therewith. Fig. 5 is a detailshowing the filter that may be applied in connection with the water-pipethrough which water is supplied to the regulator. Fig. 6 is a top Viewof the water-cylinder and section of the steam-pipe. Fig. 7 is atransverse section of the hot-air flue, showing the air-pipes connectedtherewith and'showing also the steampipe passing through said flue witha series of steam-jets arranged in said air-pipes. Fig. 8 is alongitudinal section of one of the steam-jets and the steam-pipeconnected thereto. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one of the steam-jetsor nozzles.

The present invention is applicable to stationary, locomotive, or marineengines. While I have shown it in the drawings and shall describe theinvention as particularly applicable to a stationary-engine boiler, itwill be understood, however, that the same device is applicable, withoutmaterial alteration or reconstruction, to marine or locomotive engineboilers.

In the drawings, 2 represents the fire-box of a boiler-furnace, which,as before stated, may be of any ordinary or preferred construction. v

3 represents the bridge-wall, and 5 the grate thereof, and 7 representsa boiler arranged in any suitable setting in said furnace. As hereshown, at the forward end of the grate is a suitable arch 9, preferablyone at each side of the furnace, forming a fuelopening through whichfuel may be supplied to the grate as needed, each of said openings beingprovided with a suitable door 11, preferably hinged in a suitable mannerto the head-plate 13 of the furnace.

At some point between the forward end of the furnace and the bridge-wall3 I provide a transverse flue 15. Said line may be in the form of acast-iron pipe ora pipe of any other suitable material, or it may beformed in the brickwork or masonry that constitutes the boiler-setting.I have here shown this flue in the form of a pipe arranged in the upperpart of the arch 9 and having a series of short pipes 17, connectedthereto and extending into the upper part of the fire-box, and, as hereshown, arranged upon an angle, so that a current of air passingtherethrough would be directed backward and downward into the centralpart of the firebox. A steam-pipe 19 preferably extends through thisflue, and said steam-pipe is provided with a series of short pipes 21,preferably arranged centrally in the pipes or tubes 17, leading out fromthe flue 15. The ends of the pipes 21 are provided with nozzles 23, (seeFigs. 8 and 9,) said nozzles preferably having openings through themthat are spread out or fan-shaped to a certain extent, but ofsubstantially the same area throughout, so that a current of steampassing through each of said nozzles will, as it emerges therefrom, bespread out in the form of a fiatsheet.

The flue 15 is preferably open at both ends, so that the air has freeaccess thereto, and as this is arranged substantially over the furnaceon the fire-box the air that passes into it will become very highlyheated, and when steam is supplied to the pipe 19 and nozzles 23 theheated air from the flue 15 will be drawn out through the pipes 17 andwill be immediately mingled with the steam passing through thesteam-pipe 19 and the jets 23.

While I prefer to use the steam jets or nozzles having their openings ofthe flattened form shown in Figs. S and 9, I do not wish to be limitedto this form of opening, nor do I wish to be limited to the use of anyparticular material for the construction of said nozzles. I have usednozzles constructed of brass and have found this material desirable forthe purpose; but I may prefer to construct such nozzles of cast-iron orother suitable material.

The steam for supplying the pipe 19 may be drawn directly from thesteam-dome of the boiler, as shown in Fig. 2, or I may provide asteam-coil 25, that is connected to the steam-pipe 19, as shown in Fig.1, this steamcoil being arranged within the furnace so that the waterpassing therethrough will be converted into steam, which will then besupplied to saidpipe 19. I arrange in the pipe 19 a suitable valve withmeans for regulatsaid yoke. j a wheel 57, that bears upon the oppositeedge 1 of said piston-rod 4.5, and said arm- 55 is pivoted to a suitablesupport 59, and said arm ing the passage of the steam through saidvalve, as hereinafter described. Any suitable valve may be used for thispurpose. I prefer to provide an ordinary steam-valve coupling 27, thatis arranged between two parts of the pipe 19 and is suitably connectedthereto. Vithin this coupling is a suitable valve-seat 29, a valve 31,adapted to fit upon said seat, and a spring 33, adapted to hold saidvalve upon its seat and thereby out off the passage of steam from saidpipe. This valve-is provided with a valve-stem 35, which passes througha suitable stuffing-box in the coupling 27, so that by moving saidvalvestem the valve 31 may be opened when desired.

A cylinder 37 is mounted upon a suitable support, preferably beingconnected to the pipe 19 by suitable straps or bands 39 and setscrews41. Within this cylinder is arranged a piston 43, having pivotallyconnected thereto the piston-rod 45. Said rod is preferably in the formof a fiat strip secured to the piston by the pivot 47, and the upper endof said piston-rod is cut 0d at an angle, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4:.Above said cylinder I preferably provide a yoke 49, suitably supported,as by being secured to the top of said cylinder by a screw 51. Saidpiston-rod 45 passes through said yoke. and is prevented from turningthereby, and the edge of said pistonrod rests upon a roll 53, that ismounted in (See Fig. 4.), An arm 55. carries carries a set-screw 61,adapted to engage the end of the valve-stem 35.

A suitable water-pipe G3 is connected to the cylinder 43 and extends toa tank or other source of water-supply. A suitable filter (see Figs. 4and 5) may be arranged in this pipe so as to remove any impurities fromthe water before it passes into said cylinder. A suitable valve isarranged also in the pipe 63, by means of which the supply of water tosaid cylinder may be regulated. As here shown, a valve shell or body 67is coupled to the pipe 63. Said valve-shell is provided with a suitablevalve-seat 69 and with a valve,

71, mounted upon a suitable valve-stem 73. A spring is arranged toengage the lower end of said valve-stem and to hold said valve.

normally closed. Arranged above the doors of the furnace is a suitablerock-shaft 77, having the cam 79 upon the end thereof, and I preferablyarrange one of said cams upon each end of said shaft. This cam is inposition to engage the valve-stem 73 of the valve 71. A casing 81 ispreferably arranged to cover said cam and the ends of said valvestem, asshown in Fig. 3.

Secured upon the shaft 7 7 are the curved bars 83, preferably secured inposition by means of set-screws 85, so as to be adjustable upon saidshaft. These arms extend down close to the outer surface of the furnace-door,

ICO

valve 31 and permitting the steam to pass into the pipes 19 and throughthe steam jets or nozzles 23 into the fire-box. The closing of thefurnace-doors will permit the valve 71 to beclosed by the spring 75. Awaste-pipe 87, provided with a valve 89, is connected to the cylinder37, and the water from said cylor steam-jets.

I and will finally cease.

inder gradually passes out through said pipe 87. The rapidity with whichsaid water will pass out through the said pipe maybe regulated asdesired by means of the valve 89. As the water passes out of saidcylinder the piston will slowly fall therein until the wheel 57 passesback over the inclined upper surface of the piston-rod 45, which willcarry the end of the screw 61 out of contact with the end of thevalve-stem and permit the valve 31 to be closed by the spring 33,thereby shutting off the supply of steam from the nozzles It will beseen that with this mechanism when the furnace-door is opened for thepurpose of supplying fuel to the firebox the steam-supply isautomatically turned on through the steam-jets and is continued for apredetermined time after said door is opened. The air passing throughthe air-flue will at all times be heated, and the action of thesteam-jets will be to draw said air out of said fiue through the pipes17 and into the fire-box of the furnace. The steam and heated air willtogether mingle with the gases and unconsumed carbon thrown off from thefuel, and the oxygen from said steam and air uniting with said gaseswill produce substantially complete combustion thereof, and this actiontaking place in the fire-box and before the gases have passed over thebridge-wall'of the furnace will be complete before the gases have passedto a point where the temperature will be lowered by coming in contactwith the flues of the boiler. This will prevent the passage of theunconsumed gases and black smoke out of the chimney or smoke-stack andwill in fact produce a substantially complete combustion of the fuel,thereby securing a very large economy in the consumption of the fuel anda consequent saving in the cost of producing the necessary amount ofsteam for the operation of the engine that is connected to the boiler.The cutting off of the supply of steam will be a gradual operation, andthereby the amount of steam and air forced into the furnace will begradually reduced Where the device is applied to a locomotive-engine, itwill, by the same process, prevent the throwing out of sparks andcinders from the smoke-stack of the locomotive.

While I have described the regulator by which the steam-valve iscontrolled as operated by water let into the cylinder each time the doorof the furnace is opened, it will be obvious that I might operate thepiston in this cylinder by means of compressed air controlled in thesame manner and obtained from a suitable source of supply, or thispiston .might also in some instances be operated by steam in place ofwater. I consider, however, that the water is preferable where it can bedirectly obtained for the purpose.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent- 1. The combination, with a furnace having anair-passage to the fire-boX,of avalve whereby the passage of air to thefire-box is controlled, a cylinder, a piston provided therein, thepiston-rod disconnected from said valve and whereby said valve isactuated and held open during the greater par-t of the movement of thepiston, and from which the valve is liberated upon the complete returnof the piston within the cylinder, a supply-pipe leadin g to saidcylinder, a valve provided therein, means in connection with the furnacedoor or doors for opening said valve upon the opening of said door ordoors, and a waste-pipe leading from said cylinder, for the purposespecified.

2. The combination, with a furnace, of an air-passage provided in thewall thereof, ducts leading from said air-passage into the fire-box ofthe furnace, siphoning pipes ornozzles provided therein, a pressure-pipeconnected therewith, a valve provided in said pipe, a lever foractuating said valve, a cylinder, a piston therein, a piston-roddisconnected from and engaging said lever to open said valve, and tohold the same open during the greater part of the movement of saidpiston within the cylinder, a supply-pipe leading to said cylinder, awaste-pipe leading from said cylinder, a valve provided in saidsupply-pipe, and means whereby upon the opening of the furnace-door saidvalve is operated, substantially as described.

3. The combination,with the furnace, of the air pipe or duct arranged inthe front of the fire-box, openings leading therefrom into the fire-box,nozzles provided therein, a steampipe for supplying steam thereto, avalve provided in said steam-pipe, a lever for operating said valve, thecylinder 37, the piston, the piston-rod 45 adapted to engage said leversaid rod having a beveled end, the inlet-pipe and the Waste-pipeconnected to said cylinder, the valve 67 provided in said inlet-pipe,the furnace door or doors, the rock-shaft, the arm or arms providedthereon to engage the said door or doors, and means operativelyconnecting said shaft and the stem of said valve to operate the same,substantially as described. 7

4. The combination, with the furnace, having air and steam inletopenings in its firebox, of the steam-pipe, the valve 27 providedtherein, the lever 55 for operating said valve, the cylinder 37, thepiston therein, the pistonrod 45 having a beveled end, said rod adaptedto actuate and hold said lever 55 during the greater part of themovement of said piston, the furnace door or doors, the rock-shaft, thecurved arm or arms 83 thereon to be operated by the opening of thefurnace-door, an inletpipe leading to said cylinder, a valve therein, acam upon said rocking shaft to operate said valve, whereby upon theopening of the furnace-door said valve is opened to permit the fillingof the cylinder to raise the piston, and a smaller Waste or drain pipeleading from the cylinder and by which the cylinder is slowly emptied,substantially as described.

5. The combination, with the boiler and the fire-box, of a steam-jetpipe, a valve provided in said pipe, means for automatically closingsaid valve, a lever for opening the same, a cylinder and a piston, saidpiston provided with a rod disconnected from and arranged to engage andhold said lever, inlet and outlet pipes connected with said cylinder,and a valve in said inlet-pipe arranged to be operated by the opening ofthe furnace-door, substantially as described.

6. The combination with the furnace, of steam-j et pipes leading intothe fire-box thereof, a steam-pipe connected therewith, a valve in saidpipe, means to automatically close the valve, a cylinder 37 providedwith inlet or supply and Waste pipes, a piston in said cylinder, thepiston-rod 45 preferably held in suitable guides and having a beveledupper end, means whereby on the opening of the furnace-door the cylinderis filled to project said piston,said valve, being opened and held openby said piston-rod during the greater part of the movement of saidpiston in both directions, all as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of July,A. D. 1896.

FRED W. SMITH.

In presence of A. 0. PAUL, N. T. HUME.

